Mining projects facing opposition, Vedanta chief says in Odisha: Foreigners used to instigate locals

Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal stated on Saturday that "people from foreign countries" had previously instigated tribal opposition to his proposed bauxite mining project in Odisha's Sijimali region. The resistance, which occurred about two decades ago, has now significantly decreased, according to Agarwal.

The recent clash between protesting tribals and police near the project took place in April, resulting in injuries to several villagers and police personnel. Agarwal attributed the reduction in resistance to the passage of time and the presence of competition among companies, as well as local issues.

He also mentioned the importance of public hearings in securing approvals for the bauxite mining project, stating that at least 10 to 15 hearings were conducted and received unanimous approval from villagers. Vedanta had already acquired the Sijimali bauxite reserve in February 2023.

Despite facing strong resistance from local tribals, Vedanta managed to obtain Stage-I (in-principle) approval for the diversion of over 708 hectares of forest for the Sijimali bauxite mines from the state government in December last year. The company had previously been rejected in its attempts to mine bauxite from the Niyamgiri hills, home to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, the Dongria Kondhs.

India holds more than 40% of the world's total bauxite reserves, located in the Koraput-Rayagada-Kalahandi region of Odisha. Vedanta hopes to see a significant increase in bauxite production within the next 2-3 years, as the country progresses towards a self-sufficient economy from an import-based one.